Chrudim attractions. What is worth seeing in Chrudim outside the Puppetry Museum?

Name: Chrudim
Rating: 5

Chrudim is a small but charming town in the Czech Republic, known as the "Athens of Eastern Bohemia". Not because of the architecture, but because of the minds that this city gave birth to. For centuries, the capital of the region, today remains somewhat in the shadow of Pardubice, but still delights the historic center with beautiful buildings and rich history. You will also find the unique Museum of Puppetry Culture, which is located in an unusual soapmaker's tenement house. Check out our guide to Chrudim!

A variation of the name of the city of Chrudim. In Chrudim or in Chrudim?

In Czech, the name of the city of Chrudim is feminine, so the correct one seems to be more of a variety: I was in Chrudim. However, Professor Mirosław Bańko believes that in Poland both forms, female and male, i.e. in Chrudim and Chrudim, are acceptable. The same is true of the city of Litomyśl.

Monuments and attractions of the city of Chrudim. What's worth seeing? Experience map

Chrudim, although small, is very attractive and hides many monuments. The city is dominated by the powerful Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary dating back to the Middle Ages. The wonderful Mydlář House with arcades - the seat of the Museum of Puppetry Culture - has been preserved since the Renaissance. The market is beautiful, but the neighboring streets are equally charming, preserved in good condition and hiding interesting architectural gems. Here are the best attractions of Chrudim!

Resslovo Square and Town Hall in Chrudim

The market square in Chrudim, or Resslovo Náměstí, is the main square and the heart of the city, marked out in the Middle Ages. Historic tenement houses attract attention around, which show on the facades and hide elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque in the interiors. In the middle stands a magnificent plague column, and above it still rises the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The town hall standing in the frontage behind the street is a Renaissance-Baroque building with a red and white facade and a wooden clock tower. Inside the town hall there is a well-stocked Tourist Information Centre in Chrudim. The town hall was built in the fourteenth century, but later it was rebuilt many times. However, it still retained valuable original elements, such as stone portals.
Address: Ratusz, Resslovo Náměstí 1

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the oldest temple in Chrudim. The legend of the painting Salwator and the Swedes

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the oldest temple in the city. Originally built in the 13th century as a Romanesque. For centuries, it grew, first acquiring the features of Gothic, and later, during the 19th-century reconstruction of the Neo-Gothic. Romanesque elements have been preserved in the presbytery, but the interior is primarily a neo-Gothic decor.

We could not get around the interior, we could only admire them from behind the glass. And it is worth paying attention to the image in the main altar - the miraculous image of Christ the Savior (Salvatore, the Metamorphosed Christ the Savior). Legend has it that the painting comes from the collection of Emperor Rudolf II and came to the city during the Thirty Years' War. And here begins a story similar to the story from our Jasna Góra, namely, at the time of the Swedish Deluge, the Swedes came and stole the image of the Savior. They were playing dice on him and one of the Swedes stabbed the image in the face of the Savior. Then blood spilled from that face, and they were so frightened by the fact that they fled. It is said that this is how their assault on this country ended. The new owners donated the painting to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is how the Salvatorian tradition was created in Chrudim. The cult was so strong that Chrudim became one of the main pilgrimage destinations in the Austrian Monarchy. To this day, pilgrims believe that the image has the power to heal.

Museum of Puppetry Culture - Mydlářovský dom in Chrudim

Next to the market square, at Břetislavová Street, there is a beautiful Renaissance house. One of the most beautiful in Chrudim, but also one of the most spectacular private tenement houses we have seen so far. This is the Mydlářovský House, or the house of a soapmaker, a Chrudzim burgher Matěj Mydlář, who built it in the years 1573-76. To this house with a delightful façade, his son Daniel added a tall tower in the shape of a minaret. He was not a Muslim, but only fascinated by the Orient. The soap maker is not so much a name as a profession, because the production of candles and soap (as well as the golden drink) of the estate was made by Father Maciej or Mateusz, who dreamed of such a beautiful residence.

Nowadays, everyone can go inside, because it houses the Museum of Puppetry Culture. The idea of creating this place appeared in the 1920s. Of the twentieth century, but it germinated for over 40 years. It is the national museum of puppetry, with the largest exhibition on this topic in the whole country. It hides 50,000 exhibits, and was finally created in 1972. Chrudim is the unofficial capital of puppetry, and this field in the Czech Republic has even been inscribed on the UNESCO list. You will find dolls, puppets and puppets as well as small theatres and stage sets not only from the Czech Republic, but also from various parts of the world, including Asia and America. In addition, there is a playroom where you can try puppet animation. In addition, the Museum collects documents on the development of puppet theater in the Czech Republic and around the world. An additional attraction is the possibility of entering the peculiar minaret. It is quite cramped here, but there is a nice view of the city from above. You can admire it from the open terrace, or in winter through small windows.
Address: Břetislavova 74

Regional Museum in Chrudim

The Regional Museum in Chrudim is located in a powerful, neo-Renaissance building from the 19th century, more precisely from 1898. Originally established in 1892 as the Museum of Eastern Czech Industry in Chrudim, today it presents the history and art of the region in this magnificent permanent exhibition, including posters by Alfons Mucha, crafts, folk furniture and pipes from Prosecka.
Address: Široká Street

Monument and Ressel screw

In front of the Museum building there is a large monument presenting the figure of Josef Ressel and his screw. It was in Chrudim that the inventor of the naval screw was born in 1793. He suffered a great injustice, but his merits were acknowledged after his death, and today more is finally being said about him. He was the son of a German and a Czech woman, and from an early age he studied in various European cities. In 1820, he became a forester in Trieste. However, he constantly dreamed of the sea and wondered how to give the ships strength and speed. He had the idea to add a screw to the steamer. In Trieste he was the object of mockery, but on 28 November 1826 he demanded the issue of an Austrian patent. In 1828, he concluded an agreement with the wealthy merchant Fontana to introduce a boat cruise between Monfalcon and Istria. A year later, the Civetta was launched. Ressel placed a wooden screw on the stern at the last minute. Despite the setbacks, the ship with the bolt finally sailed. Unfortunately, the steam engine pipes burst and the cruise was stopped. At the same time, his plans mysteriously went to England, and only a few years later almost identical patents were filed, and they went down in history as working screws, and Ressel died in oblivion and bitterness, not being recognized in life. It was not until many years later that his invention was recognized.
Address: Široká Street

Museum of Baroque Sculptures in Chrudim

The Museum of Baroque Sculptures is located in the former Capuchin monastery with the church of St. Joseph. It was erected outside the city walls in the middle of the 17th century. It lost its original purpose in 1947, and at the turn of the century it was revitalized and adapted to new purposes. Currently, it is one of the most important Czech centers of Baroque sculpture next to Prague. Sculpture of the Baroque period of Eastern Bohemia is presented here, referring to the tradition of the mid-18th century and is associated with such names as: Matyáš Bernard Braun or Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff. The exhibition was created in the nave of the church and sacristy and consists of large-format canvas and sculpture. The museum also impresses with the history of this place, with a film story about local sculptors like Cechpauer.
Address: School Square

Nahon Canal, Wide Stairs and City Walls

The route over the mill, i.e. the Nahon canal (branch) of Chrudimki is a very pleasant walk and picturesque views of the former mill, climatic tenement houses and guest houses. Along the way, it is also worth seeing the well-preserved city walls with the Mouse Hole (Stepankova Street). A wide staircase leads further to Żiżki Square with a fountain and a monument to Hus and the remains of the former castle.

Pardubice Gate in Chrudim

The Pardubice Tower (Pardubická věž) or the Pardubice Fortress (Pardubická Fortna) is a historical part of medieval city fortifications. It is located deep behind the town hall and is a former gate, facing towards Pardubice. Historic portals have been preserved in the lower parts of the building, and a copy of the drum of the turnstile used to operate the safety grille is also visible.
Address: Fortenska Street

Other monuments and interesting places worth visiting in Chrudim

Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Michael Park - a building from the first half of the 16th century, with late Gothic elements
Church of St. Catherine, Havlíčkova - late Gothic temple
Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Fountain with Baroque sculptures, Zizkovo namesti - fountain from 1873
Figures in the city - above Młynówka you will see a nice figurine of an aquarius on the handrail, on the market square the figurine of the clown Kacperka indicates the Puppetry Museum, and on Philistyńska Street on the facade of the house there is a figurine of a playful devil
Water tower, Na Puši street - slender structure connected to the building
Powder Tower, Tyršovo náměstí - rises in the northeast corner of the city fortifications. It was built in the 15th century, more precisely in 1435. It was intended for defense by hand firearms, and today houses an exhibition about defensive walls
Birthplace of Ressel, Široká Street
Karel Pippich Theatre, ul. Cs. partyzanu
Tomb of the Pippich family at the U Kriże cemetery
Jewish cemetery, Novoměstská Street - commissioned in 1890. Since World War II, the cemetery could not be used and destroyed. The oldest tombstone dates from 1890, and the youngest from 1940. About 100 tombstones with Czech, German and Hebrew inscriptions have been preserved here
Kaktusiarnia, ul. Gorkého 886 - family cactus farm with an exhibition
Podhura forest recreational areas - with Bára observation tower, cloud pool, park for cyclists, outdoor gym, network of paths and cycling routes, as well as a rope park

Location & Directions

Chrudim is located at the junction of the Iron Mountains and the Elbe Lowland, in the Pardubice region, about 110 km east of Prague, 10 km south of Pardubice and 33 km from Hradec Králové. Geomorphologically, it lies in the so-called Chrudim Basin, at an altitude of about 240 m above sea level, which is part of the Czech Cretaceous Plate. The Chrudimka River flows through the city, which takes its source in the Žďárské Wierchy landscape park and flows into the Elbe in Pardubice. The highest point is the Podhůra hill with a height of 356 m above sea level.

From Poland, you can get here, for example, by train, first to Pardubice, and from there it is only 15 minutes by local train to Chrudim. By car from Poland. or more precisely from Silesia, you can reach the A1 motorway, and then the Czech D1 motorway through Ostrava and Olomouc and D35, and later the local one to Chrudim. Direct trains and buses run from Prague to Chrudim. The Chrudim railway station is located close to the city centre.

Where to eat in Chrudim?

In the square near the Town Hall there is a beautiful red tenement house, and in it there is the Tlusta Kaczka (Fat Duck) restaurant. We were very happy to take advantage of their offer. It is in the Michelin guide, but without a star. In any case, meals are recommended as very tasty. In fact, the duck was delicious, very soft, with dumplings and red cabbage. But it's a big plus, because I usually miss vegetables in Czech cuisine.

Accommodations in Chrudim

We did not sleep in Chrudim itself, because we visited this city by car, but below you will find the accommodation offer of Chrudim. In this region, we slept in Pardubice on a pleasant and quiet Pernsztyńska street, where Penzion Víno Hruška Pardubice, a small and atmospheric hotel with apartments, is located near the market square. Our room, apart from the large bed, also hid a beautiful bathtub, which was a very interesting interior design. There is also breakfast on site, and even a car park is available.

Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.

History of Chrudim

The first mention of Chrudim dates back to 1055, when the first Przemyślid stronghold existed here and during the war expedition Břetislav I died. The city rights were granted to him by King Przemysł Ottokar II in the second half of the thirteenth century, making it a royal stronghold with a castle and defensive walls. It flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries thanks to trade routes and craftsmanship. It was the main city of the region for centuries, but in the nineteenth century, when the railway developed, it initially bypassed Chrudim and made Pardubice a greater power and today it is the capital of the Pardubice country (voivodeship). However, Chrudim remained a valuable, historic city and cultural center with preserved fragments of fortifications. It is an intimate gem, not very popular, and worth a visit.

Chrudim-Hlinecko Region

Chrudim is located in the tourist region of Chrudim-Hlinecko, which begins just a few kilometers south of Pardubice. It is worth admiring the gently rolling landscape of the Iron Mountains and the Žďár Hills, rich in nature, but also with monuments. You will experience a lot of adrenaline in the recreational forests of Chrudim in Podhale, and on water skis, wakeboards, boats and water bicycles you can swim on the Seč dam lake. You can follow in the footsteps of the ancient Celts in Nasavrki or potters and stonemasons in Hlinsk. You can become a driver in Slatiňany or a knight in Lichnica and Košumberk. Interesting observation towers await here, such as the Zuberský kopec made of iron, the wooden Boika or the Bára observation tower on the Devil's Rock. The ruins in Luže are fascinating.

Other attractions in Eastern Bohemia

The East Bohemian region abounds in beautiful attractions. The capital and largest city of the voivodeship is Pardubice, but it is also worth visiting other places around. Nearby is the oldest horse farm in the Czech Republic in Kladruby. Litomyśl withits UNESCO-listed castle is beautiful, and Dolni Morava is located in the mountains, which for several years has attracted an extremely attractive resort with the Sky Walk tower and a suspension bridge.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.

Szczeliniec Wielki, distance: 70.9 km
Gorzanów Palace, distance: 74.5 km
Bear Cave in Kletno, distance: 81.1 km
Sarny Castle, distance: 81.4 km
Kłodzko Fortress, distance: 81.8 km
Tower on Dzikowiec, distance: 90.5 km
Fortress Silver Mountain, distance: 91.8 km
Colorful Rudawy Janowickie Lakes, distance: 98.3 km
Chojnik Castle, distance: 98.7 km
Grodno Castle in Zagórze Śląskie, distance: 98.9 km